Mauricio Pochettino may have been given a helping hand in his pursuit of a new striker after AS Roma announced the signing of Juan Manuel Iturbe in a deal that could see the Serie A club listen to offers for Mattia Destro.

According to Italian broadcaster Sportitalia, the north London club has lodged an enquiry with the Giallorossi over the availability of the 23-year-old who impressed for the Rome giants last term, scoring 13 goals in 20 league games.

And while that tally was not enough to see Destro earn a place in Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad for the World Cup in Brazil, it has reportedly helped him to catch the eye of Spurs.

Though some may be sceptical over the rumoured bid, with the Italian previously valued at €25 million by his current employers, the news of Iturbe’s arrival at the Stadio Olimpico represents a positive development for Tottenham if they are, in fact , keen on completing a transfer.

Signed for a similarly hefty €22 million, the purchase of winger/forward who has drawn comparisons with Lionel Messi could force Roma to balance the books in a bid to ensure they stay within the monetary restrictions of Financial Fair Play.

The Romans could therefore be open to offers for Destro, with Spurs currently the only side to be linked with a move for the promising striker.

A similar situation unfolded at the club last summer when manager Rudi Garcia moved to bring in former Lille favourite Gervinho from Arsenal and Adam Ljajic from Fiorentina while Erik Lamela and Pablo Osvaldo departed for the Premier League.

With those behind the scenes at the wealthy club keen to ensure they maintain the correct balance between players going out and coming in, Tottenham could be the ones to take full advantage.

Roberto Soldado may also be set to leave White Hart Lane too with Inter Milan reportedly willing to pay as much as £15 million to land the striker – funds that could go towards the capture of Destro.

The most important signing of Tottenham’s summer could be fast approaching.

Jack Beresford

Jack is a 27-year-old writer with experience in writing about sport in a range of guises. He’s something of a statto when it comes to soccer and has a passion for English football at all levels, as well as Serie A and the Bundesliga.